Searching for non-geneaological information on my great-grandfather Hugh LAMASTER (l798-l870) who edited the Fulton County "Republican" in the l840s and l850s. I am especially interested in his friendship with Abraham Lincoln, his roles in Illinois politics, and his activities during the Civil War. Hugh may be the ancestor of Fulton County residents named WEBER, COOPER, RICE, and LIGGETT. His daughter Elizabeth married Jacob J. WEBER. Dau. Mary m. Abel COOPER. Son Joseph Irwin m. Catherine RICE, dau. of Dr. Erasmus RICE. Dau. Iambe Joanna m. Charles RICE. Dau. Emily Letitia (Emma) m. James K. LIGGETT. Some information on these lines is available. My grandmother, Harriet May LaMaster, Hugh's youngest dau., m. Milton Fletcher MAHIN. Dean B. Mahin DUMahin@aol.com.